Women at the wheel: Steering toward a Special place

Pam Keith poses in the showroom of Dueck Auto Group in Vancouver. Keith has chaired the board of the Special Olympics committee for three years.

Wayne Leidenfrost/PNG, Driving

Supporting the athletes a driving force in Olympics chair Pam Keith’s life

by
Alexandra Straub | July 3, 2014

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Having been on the automotive scene for the last 34 years, Pam Keith has worn many hats.

Whether she was in the accounting department, in human resources or assisting with the set-up of the Dueck Auto Group’s new stores, she has enjoyed her various jobs.

But there’s been one role in particular that holds a very special place in her heart, aside from being a mother and raising two children.

“I tend to be the point person when it comes to being involved in community functions, whether those are golf tournaments or charity events,” Keithsays.

“We’ve always believed in giving back.”

Alongside her role in the community, Pam is heavily involved with Special Olympics.

“I’ve been on the board for Special Olympics for eight years,” Keith says. “I got involved in that originally as a committee member, because the New Car

Pam Keith, Special Olympics board chair, says it’s her charity of choice and her employer Dueck Auto Group’s way of ‘giving back’ to the community.

Dealers Association of B.C. is heavily involved and has always had Special Olympics as their charity of choice.”

For the third year now, she has been the chair of the board and doesn’t see her participation dwindling.

It’s also a very exciting time to be involved with the organization.

“It’s the first time in over 20 years that the national games are coming to British Columbia,” Pam says.

They occur once every four years and will be taking place primarily out at the University of British Columbia from July 8-12.

Special Olympics had the following to say: “For the first time, the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will feature 11 sports, making the 2014 Games the largest Canadian Games ever. It is anticipated that over 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials will be part of the 2014 Games, in addition to over 1,000 event volunteers, who will help to make this an outstanding and truly memorable experience for everyone involved.”

Keith adds: “That means we have around 1,400 athletes from all across Canada that are coming to compete out at UBC in all of our summer sports.”

“Dueck is involved because Dueck has always been a sponsor, and I’m involved from a provincial level, but our family has also been involved, too,” Keith says.

Her daughter, Courtney, is one of the coaches for rhythmic gymnastics for the B.C. team, while her son, Greg, puts on an annual golf tournament in support of Special Olympics.

“I think if you show, as an owner of a business, that you’re involved and you give back to the community, I think that really sends a great message to the staff that they can do the same.”

But it’s not just about cutting cheques and calling it a day.

Involving the athletes in local events not only brings the community together, but also brings huge smiles to everyone’s faces.

Especially the athletes.

“Oh, they love it,” Keith says.

She talks about having one of Dueck’s Corvette shows at the Richmond store.

“We asked four of the athletes to come out. They help with setup and they help sell the 50/50 tickets, and they get to see all the great cars … We make sure they’re very involved when it comes to presenting the various awards to the various cars.”

“I think the key point is that the community meets the athletes, and understands how much their support means to them.”

Through community involvement, it’s a win-win for both supporters and athletes.

Keith says: “We believe at the Special Olympics in the athletics program, but we also believe that the athletes have to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. And by helping them live a healthier lifestyle, we’re helping that whole individual become a happier person.”

And when you put cars into the mix, it seems that it’s even easier to bring out the best in everyone.